My great uncle, William Greenspan, machinist

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Contributed by : Polina Olsen

Object # 470

My great uncle William Greenspan was a machinist at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and escaped during the fire. This picture shows him with his wife Esther, and the clippings are from the “Herald” 1911. During the trial, he worked for one of the factory owners and testified for the defense saying he opened the door to Washington Place. The prosecution claimed this door had been locked. I have a medal that reads “October 1913 For Bravery,” with “William Greenspan” and “Pres by R.W.” on the front. Family lore says he won this for bravery during the Triangle Fire. I cannot verify this anywhere.